Hatha I-II

I started practicing yoga about ten years ago when I needed to switch away from running. I hadn't ran for a couple of years due to back problems. I was fearful of reinjury if I continued. Although I remained active physically in that two years, it was never at a level that was satisfying. I came to yoga by accident.

I tried some classes. I liked those classes. I went more regularly. Then I didn't go regularly. I found it deceptively difficult. To me there were aspects of yoga that related to running though... an ineffable physical and mental experience. From those on-again/off-again beginnings, I slowly became more consistent in practice.

I am grateful for the diverse set of instructors and teachers I have had at Yoga Village and elsewhere. As I practice, I grow.I hope to share the experience of yoga with others; the physical and mental benefits, the positive focus, and the general well being that yoga brings to me.

Marilyn Mercado graduated at the University of Hawaii and taught Ballroom and Latin dancing for 15 years and danced Hula for fitness and fun. Over the years she taught, choreographed, prepared students for amateur dance competition, and directed dance showcases. She has also helped judge local dance competition. An accomplished instructor she has edited ten instructional dance videos of her own for students practice.She moved to the Central Coast about 15 years ago and started teaching Ballroom and Latin dances, Hula, Yoga, and Fitness classes to adults and children. To connect back to her culture, she formed a Hula Dance group and choreographs dances to perform at Luaus (parties) at various events and locations.Marilyn has also worked with children for 20 years teaching dance, fitness, creative movement, and study skills. Certified as a Sport yoga instructor she complemented her dance career by practicing and teaching yoga to children & adults to keep them healthy, flexible, coordinated, strong, and balance. She attained her 200 hour teacher training certificate April 2016 to further her studies. She is looking forward to the next 300 hour certification in 2018, to strengthen her knowledge as a teacher. She continues to deepen her yoga practice and studies by attending Yoga Conferences each year to gain new knowledge in yoga and learn other forms of yoga.The past summer of 2016, she went to Hawaii to attain her Yoga Educator Credential from YOGA ED to promote yoga to the public school K - High School. She is also certified in PIYO Live- A strength training for all over body conditioning emphasizing the athletism of pilates and yoga choreograph to music. She also just recently completed a BARRE Above Certification in August 27, 2017. It's a progressive and challenging workout that accommodates all ages and fitness levels. She fell in love with Barre after taking a Barre class in S.F. Yoga Conference. She love how it made her feel and has been looking for a class ever since.Marilyn’s passion is sharing her love of teaching to others, and helping them in their journey of discovering themselves through dance, yoga, fitness, and movement. Her style of teaching is infused with playfulness and creativity which allow her to tap into her intuition.